Celebrating Victory and Reflecting on Promises
On Friday morning, a day after India’s remarkable win over Australia in the World Cup 2025 semifinals, Harmanpreet Kaur shared an old video with Reema Malhotra, a former cricketer and now a broadcaster, as a promise. The clip, filmed during the 2011-12 season, showcased their exuberant celebrations after North Zone triumphed over the five-time defending champions, Central Zone, led by then-captain Mithali Raj, in the Inter Zonal Women’s One-Day final.
A Journey to Glory
Each run scored by Jemimah Rodrigues, who made an impressive 127*, during their recent victory against the defending champions was a reminder of that earlier underdog win. Harmanpreet recognized that her team was close to achieving the long-awaited glory that had eluded them.
Realizing a Shared Dream
When India finally broke their World Cup trophy drought on Sunday, Harmanpreet’s enthusiastic sing-along with Malhotra to the song ‘Sadda Haq‘ was more than just a celebration; it symbolized the realization of a shared dream they had both cherished for years.
Honoring the Pioneers
Not only was Malhotra present, but former captains Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, and Mithali Raj joined the celebratory broadcast. The team celebrated with them during their victory lap, and other legendary players like Diana Edulji and Sudha Shah also embraced the long-deserved trophy.
Promises Fulfilled
For a tearful Goswami, the moment was a fulfillment of a two-way promise. After India was eliminated in the previous edition, she had vowed alongside Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana to win the next World Cup for her. True to their word, they lifted the trophy in front of a cheering crowd and millions watching at home, fulfilling their commitments.
Creating Lasting Memories
As the team celebrated well into the night, former players ensured that those who had paved the way for women’s cricket were included in the moment. Goswami remarked on the significance of being part of the victory lap, noting that the team’s leadership was pivotal in creating memories for those who had come before them.
A Vision for the Future
Malhotra emphasized the need for this team to take charge of their own destiny going forward. She believes that now, after achieving an ICC trophy, the players deserve a seat at the discussion table regarding their future. This win could herald a cultural change within Indian women’s cricket, transforming perceptions of what is possible and inspiring future generations.
